Opinion: Leon County's recreational opportunities are expanding

In North Florida, the Red Hills and the Woodville Karst Plain offer topography unlike any other part of the state. Residents of the region are justifiably proud of the area’s natural beauty and the plethora of recreational opportunities.

The area’s challenging terrain and extensive trail networks have made it a haven for trailblazers and bike enthusiasts throughout the region, and more trail openings are underway. With projects like the Ike Anderson Bike Trail and Lines Tract Trail, the region is fortunate to have elected officials actively supporting trail enhancements and collaborating as peers on these improvements, regardless of county lines.

Running through the heart of Monticello, the 1.5 mile Ike Anderson Bike Trail replaced an abandoned rail passage that once ran between Tampa and Chicago. The paved trail is in a multi-phase expansion project that will extend the path approximately 3.2 miles south. The planned improvements will stretch farther north as well, adding connectors to recreational parks and neighborhoods in Jefferson County.

On a broad geographical scale, the Capital City to the Sea Trails will give residents and visitors of Leon and Wakulla counties recreational options that link the Tallahassee to the coast. The project is a series of 57 miles of multi-use trails and will take several years to complete; however, a series of completed trails can be accessed now.

In 2015, Jeff Phipps donated the land for Orchard Pond Parkway, which intended to help preserve the native wildlife in the area. After the road was completed, plans were made to develop a bike path along the adjacent Orchard Pond Road, which would connect Meridian Road at Bannerman Road. This will provide 10 miles of paved bike trails from Thomasville Road to Old Bainbridge Road.

In Leon County there are five agencies developing and funding bicycle and pedestrian improvements, including Leon County, city of Tallahassee, Blueprint2000, Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency, and the Florida Department of Transportation.

The newest addition to Tallahassee’s 600+ mile trail system is Leon County's northeast multi-use trail, located east of Thomasville Road off Proctor Road. Unveiled in 2018, this two mile loop is one of the first facilities on the far northeast side of Leon County, and is open to the public for running, hiking and biking. The trail is in its first phase and will continue to expand.

Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway, which has undergone different phases of developments over the last decade, will continue expanding and offering the public a greenway connection to Lafayette Heritage Trail. Other enhancements include a multi-use trail along Magnolia Drive, a new segment along the Capital Cascades Trail, and the new opening of the St. Marks Headwaters Greenway.

The cultivation of these projects and the government’s involvement in the continued development of trail improvements enhances the quality of life for all residents and brings tremendous economic benefits realized by visitor spending. These trails and expansions have put the region on the right path.

Leon County Commissioner Bryan Desloge has served the citizens of District 4 since 2006. He can be reached at 850-606-5300 or DeslogeB@LeonCountyFL.gov.